The three Banis, which are specifically written in the beginning of Guru Granth Sahib, are:
(1) JAP called Japji Sahib,
(2) So dar (5 Shabads), So Purkh (4 Shabads), called Rahraas Sahib
(3) Sohilaa Sahib
– Gurbani classified in Guru Granth Sahib on the basis of Rags, starts after these three Banis.
– Bhai Gurdas Ji has also recommended these three Banis:
However, according to the Sikh Rehat Maryada the recommended Five Banis are:
– Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Tva Prasaad Savaiye (Early morning), Rahraas Sahib (Evening), Sohilaa Sahib (Bed time). Ardass both in the morning as well as in the evening.
– Jaap Sahib, Tva Prasaad Savaiye and added part in the Rahraas Sahib are not present in Guru Granth Sahib and nor they were recommended Bhai Gurdas Ji in his above mentioned Vaar.
Other common Banis are Assa Ke Vaar (Recited in the Morning in all the Gurdwaras), (Anand Sahib (Morning or with Rahraas Sahib), Sukhmani Sahib (any time) etc. A Sikh should also regularly recite Gurbani from Guru Granth Sahib. One should study, understand and practically apply Gurbani written in Guru Granth Sahib in one’s own life.
Author: Dr. Sarbjit Singh